Meeting with Senator Menendez(Paterson, NJ: January 14, 2006) Leaders from the New Jersey Arab and Muslim American community participated in an important meeting with Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ). The two-hour meeting with Senator Menendez on Saturday, January 14, 2006, was an introductionary session where we had discussions related to issues of critical importance to the community.
The meeting was held at the residence of Dr. Aref Assaf, President of American Arab Forum, and was attended by religious leaders, community activists, elected and appointed officials and community leaders from the Democratic Party. The following issues were addressed and specific proposals were presented: Civil Rights and Social Justice, Political Involvement and Empowerment, creation of Arab & Muslim Heritage Commission and the issue of Palestine. To view the meeting agenda, please go to http://www.americanarabforum.org/menendez-agenda.htm
Senator Menendez acknowledged the growing presence and impact of the community and addressed the different issues, which were raised by the community representatives. He made a commitment to establish a continuing dialogue with the community on all issues. He expressed his strong commitment to civil rights of all Americans and assured the gathering that he will closely examine any legislation, including the reauthorization of the expiring segments of the USA Patriot Act that violate basic civil rights, and to ensure that sufficient measures are introduced that do not infringe on the civil liberties of all Americans. The Senator also welcomed and accepted our offer to provide assistance in the formulation of positions and policies related to civil rights and other issues of concern to the community.
The Senator promised to reach out to our community as he begins his job. We thank the Senator for his efforts and very much look forward to building a strong and enduring relationship with him. Thanks to all the community leaders who attended the event. And special thanks to Dr. Aref Assaf for hosting the event and Salaheddin Mustafa for organizing and coordinating this important meeting. We also express our thanks to our elected officials – Paterson Councilman Aslon Goow and Prospect Park Mayor Mohamed Khairullah. We also thank The Very Reverend Elias Bitar from St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church and Dr. Mohamed Qatanani, Imam of the Islamic Center of Passaic County for their invocations and guidance.
